Real Madrid legend Raul helping Barcelona open New York office

Marca says Barcelona will be joined by Raul in his role as the region's official LaLiga representative.

There is no doubt that the Blaugrana are prepared to throw plenty of weight behind their North American operations as president Josep Maria Bartomeu will cross the Atlantic flanked by three of his vice-presidents and new club ambassador Ronaldinho.

Fellow retired ex-pro Raul is himself now an ambassador for the Spanish top-flight, and after it was agreed that he'd sit out a photo call with the Brazilian World Cup winner and Hristo Stoichkov in the Bronx, the Spaniard will attend the main ceremony in Manhattan.